Most people have a checklist when packing their bags before a vacation. They do this because they want to make sure that they don’t leave anything important behind. But as a Denver homeowner, it makes sense to have a checklist of the things you should do before leaving for vacation.
Vacation is a time for rest and relaxation. The last thing you want is to be worrying about the safety of your home.
Whether you’ll be gone for the weekend or a month-long getaway, these quick, simple tasks will help ensure peace of mind and prevent coming home to a disaster.
Prevent water damage
A water leak could be catastrophic if no one is around to deal with it. That said, we suggest turning off the main water supply, especially if you’ll be gone for an extended period of time. This will prevent possible water damage from leaky pipes.
You can rest easy knowing that your home is safe, in order, and ready for your return.
Keep your house looking occupied
A dark, empty house is an open invitation to burglars. Since your Denver home will be unoccupied for a few days to a few weeks, make sure that you leave the house looking like it’s lived in so it wouldn’t be a target for burglars.
Put lights on a time to give the impression that someone is home. You can also use motion detector lights to illuminate any intruders.
Remove your spare key
If you have a spare key, leaving it under a fake rock, the doormat or somewhere outside the house is definitely not a good idea. Instead of leaving it in your usual hiding spot, it would be best to give it to a friend or a neighbor you trust.
Unplug
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, leaving the appliances plugged in, even when not turned on, are still using power. This contributes to 10% of household energy use. Plus, leaving them plugged in increases the risk of fire.
Unplug all appliances such as coffee maker, toaster, microwave, television, and other electrical devices. Not only will it help you save money, it also reduces the risk of house fire.
If you have devices like CCTV or security systems that depend on internet to transmit information, then it is best to leave your wifi on.
